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1 Timothy 4:1-6--Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting

themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the

insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and

require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with

thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything

created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with

thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have

followed.

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The Spirit expressly stated there would be a

falling away. The falling away would occur in “latter times”.

The latter times refers to the dispensation from Pentecost till Christ’s return. (Acts 2:17; Hebrews 1:2; Matthew 28:18-20)

This falling away will occur because some will give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of demons.

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The Falling Away

The Spirit expressly stated there would be a

falling away. The falling away would occur in “latter times”. This falling away will occur because some will

give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of demons. John warned of those who claimed to be

prophets and were not, calling them spirits who should be tested. (1 John 4:1)

The doctrine of demons (John 6:70) 04/18/23 4

The Falling Away

The Spirit expressly stated there would be a

falling away. The falling away would occur in “latter times”. This falling away will occur because some will

give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of demons.

These teachers will speak lies in hypocrisy, and they have their conscience seared.

These teachers taught: Abstaining from marriage. Abstaining from meats.

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The Falling Away

When studying a spiritual history

of God’s people there has been a constant cycle of faithfulness, gradual movement away from divine authority, outright apostasy, and then an eventual renewal of faithfulness.

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Persistence in the Apostle’s Doctrine Acts 2:42

Clinging to the apostle’s words is also the path through human error and back to the Lord during times of spiritual challenge. Jude 17-18

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What Can Prevent This Gradual Eroding of Spiritual

Fundamentals

Text: Deut. 29:17-29 Moses was concerned about the influence that

the nations around the children of Israel. (Deut. 29:16-17)

Moses was concerned that the children of Israel would be affected by the doctrine of henotheism. (Deut. 29:18-19)

Moses sternly warns Israel of the consequences of idolatry. (Deut. 19:20-28)

The solution: Cling to what is revealed. (Deut. 29:29)

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Failure to Respect Biblical Authority Is a Life and Death

Matter.

TRUE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING INVOLVES A RETURN TO GOD THAT IS EVIDENCED BY OBEDIENCE TO HIS VOICE THAT IS REVEALED IN HIS WRITTEN WORD. (Deut. 30:1-2)

CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART WAS AT THE CENTER OF GOD’S HOPE FOR RETURNING PEOPLE. (Deut. 30:3-10)

GOD’S WILL FOR HIS PEOPLE AS FOUND IN HIS WRITTEN WORD IS NOT HIDDEN FROM THOSE WHO WILL READ IT. (Deut. 30:11-14)

GOD SET BEFORE HIS PEOPLE A LIFE OR DEATH DECISION: OBEY HIM AND LIVE OR ELSE IGNORE HIS WARNINGS AND TASTE HIS WRATH. (Deut. 30:15-20)

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Deut. 30:1-20; God Predicts a Spiritual Awakening.

Paul warned the Ephesian elders of wolves that would not spare the flock. (Acts 20:29)

Paul instructed Timothy to charge others to “not to teach any different doctrine”.

Paul could have allowed doctrinal variety, but he did not. (Eph. 4:4-5; 2 Tim. 2:17-18)

Paul told Timothy that things will get worse. (2 Timothy 3:1)

The solution is to stand firm, and cling to the truth (2Timothy 4:2) by preaching and practicing the truth (1 Timothy 4:15-16).

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Paul Warned of Apostasy in the New Testament

The man of sin An individual person is named (“that man,” v.3;

“himself, he,” v.4; “his time,” V.6; “lawless one,” v.8.

He is lawless (opposes God’s law); a child of perdition (doomed to destruction). (vv. 3, 8)

He will sit in the sanctuary of God (in God’s own place) as though he is God. (v.4)

He will be unveiled after the one who restrains is taken out of the way. (Vv. 6-7)

After he is revealed, then the Lord will destroy him with the brightness of His coming. (V. 8)

He is in complete control and service of Satan. (v.9) He is successful with those who receive not the love of the

truth. (vv. 10-12) 04/18/23 11

Failure to Respect Authority Opens the Door for a Man of Sin

Virtually every apostasy known in human history has resulted from a lack of respect for God’s word.

We are no more than one generation away from apostasy.

If we are to restore New Testament Christianity then we will: Return and respect what is written in God’s word. Engage in more than outward conformity, truly

appreciating what God has accomplished for us. Present God’s word in a clear and understandable

way. Understand that heaven and hell hang in the

balance.

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Conclusion: